Quilted Vintage Table Runner

I’ve had a lot of small linen pieces on the long arm recently for an upcoming project. This table runner was an experiment with color and a loose weave linen. I made sure to use something that was NOT sentimental or expensive. I found this piece for a whopping .25! You can find a fabulous linen stash in Wilson, KS, at Granny’s Junktiques, that I wrote about in a previous post.

I used a double batting of 80/20 Hobbs Heirloom on the bottom and Hobbs wool on top. This will give the finished piece a nice loft.

When there is cut work, I like to add a layer of something shiny underneath. I’ve never tried a dark fabric, but this time I used a burgundy piece of satin. I think I saved it from an old bridesmaid dress!

When I start any linen piece, I simply stitch around the outer edge. I usually blend the thread to the color of the background. I used Glide Cream on this one.

Next, I outline stitch around all of the original embroidery. I learned quickly that this weave was too loose! I could barely see the thread I was stitching with. It disappeared into the cloth.

I do, however, love the texture it created in the sunlight!

I love to watch a design take shape! I did a minimal sketch with a blue, water erasable marking pen.

The texture on this piece is fabulous! I’m not crazy about the actual stitching, but I do like the burgundy satin underlay.

To finish, I trimmed the back inside edge.

My stitch line was about 1/4″ inside, so I trimmed to that line and then stitched a satin seam tape over the raw edge.

My dining room table is the final destination for this piece. I really like something that is not quite up to my “giveaway” standards because then I can keep it! I hope you enjoyed the process. Have a fabulous weekend!

Kelly,
I like your “disapearing” thread. It’s like delicate hand embroidery. You’ve discovered a new technique to add to your portfolio. The effect around the motifs and the feathers is particularly beautiful.
When I saw the first photo of the quilted feathers my immediate thought was, ah! there she goes!…
Delightful.

You have been an inspiration to me. I helped my Mom clean out some closets and she generously gave me part of her textile collection, including both table linens and my baby and childhood clothes, all of which are approximately 50 years old. I’m still working on getting everything clean and organized. I’ve been using ammonia and OxiClean (not at the same time, of course). Do you have an opinion as to whether ammonia or OxiClean works better for this type of job? Thanks. Mary Ann

Hi Mary Ann, thanks, we all need inspiration! Depends on what you want to do. I have never used OxiClean, usually use RetroClean, probably works the same. Those would be to take out stains and age discoloration, serious “cleaning” of the fabric. I only use ammonia when something is moldy or mildewed and has an intense smell of those things. Ammonia water is the only thing I have found to remove that. For anyone else wondering, it’s 1 part ammonia to 7 parts water. Good luck and I’ll be anxious to know how it goes!

Hi Kelly – Thanks for the information. It will be awhile before I have everything cleaned and sorted. To give you an idea of the size of the project – I’ve washed 65 napkins. I didn’t count the tablecloths, but I’m guessing approximately 20. Best, Mary Ann

Your work and preservation is just beautiful – I wish I could quilt! Is there a way to contact you off-post regarding how to clean/restore (as much as possible) vintage linens (so as not to clog incoming comments)? I have several pieces, some done by my mother, and some done by my grandmother around the turn of the century. I’d love to pass them on to my daughter, but neither of us know how to clean them. They were “stored” – not very well – in a trunk in an outside shed in Florida. There are lots of almost pinprick-size rust colored dots on them, which I understand can be removed. Any help would be appreciated.